University Theatre dances its way into the 2025 spring season

dancers in black in a pile embrace.

The Contemporary Dance Ensemble will present six unique repertory dance works that explore themes of social activism, nonsensical rules and regulations, abstract visions infused with deep human emotions, family bonds, belonging and a nostalgic look at the 1980s.

Read More

In Memoriam: Janet Loring

Yellow background with "In Memoriam" in script text. A photo of Janet Loring is on the left side of the image.

Dr. Janet Loring, professor emeriti and a revered figure in the theatre and academic community, passed away on July 3, 2024, in Fresno. She was 98.

Read More

Featured Supporter: Danny Swartz

Featured Supporter: Danny Swartz

In 1987, Fresno State student Danny Swartz departed for London. It was only his second trip on a plane — the first had been a short hop from Fresno to San Francisco — and his first time out of the country. Up until that point, he had only left the state a couple of times to go to Reno and Las Vegas. Now he would be spending his spring semester in London as part of the Fresno State London Program.

Read More

New Faces: Kathy Luo

Ke Lou, a new faculty member for the Theater and Dance Department. She is wearing a red, sleeveless shirt and is holding up and stacking them.

The College of Arts and Humanities is excited to welcome Kathy Luo to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Luo is a local Dance Artist and Choreographer and will be teaching Modern Dance, Pilates, and University Dance Theatre.

Read More

Students inspire during commencement season

Graduate Dean's Medalist Mialise Carney, Dean Honora Chapman and Undergraduate Dean's Medalist Lucca Lorenzi in full regalia on the Fresno State campus.

We are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished students. From the creative artists to the humanists, every scholarship winner and Student of Distinction reflects the experimentation, compassion, and curiosity that Fresno State fosters.

Read More

For several Theatre and Dance majors, Fresno State is only the beginning

Cecilia Fisher adding gold paint to a prop bell. She is wearing a. blue shirt.

Fresno State’s Department of Theatre and Dance takes pride in its talented and dedicated students, who consistently demonstrate exceptional skills and passion for their craft. These graduates are eager to continue their artistic development and expand their knowledge through advanced studies.

Read More

2023 Arts in Motion recognizes the college’s top students

Arts in Motion - Celebrating Student Excellence. Photos of the 2022 President's Medalist Audia Dixon and Steven Hensley along with a bass drummer in the Rose Parade, a painter working on a mural and actors on stage.

We are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished students. From the creative artists to the humanists, every scholarship winner and Student of Distinction reflects the experimentation, compassion, and curiosity that Fresno State fosters.

Read More

Student of Distinction: Sunshine De Castro

Student of Distinction - Sunshine De Castro

“As I enter the entertainment industry as an early career professional, I am committed to emphasizing diversity and inclusion in my work. I strive to be a voice to move the entertainment industry forward to include the perspectives and stories of many.”

Read More

The 2023 Arts and Humanities Showcase

Arts and Humanities Showcase

The Arts and Humanities Showcase offers a unique opportunity, through various performances, exhibits, lectures and workshops, to immerse yourself in the creativity and cultural diversity of Fresno State’s talented students.

Read More

New Faces: Nicola Olsen

New Faces: Nicola Olsen

We are excited to welcome Nicola Olsen as she joins the Department of Theatre and Dance as Assistant Professor of Piano. She teaches Drama 137 Creative Dramatics, Drama 136(S) Puppetry, Drama 138A Children’s Theatre and Drama 138B Children’s Theatre. 

Read More

Student of Distinction: Lauren Heard

Student of Distinction: Lauren Heard

“This is what I pursue: storytelling through design. Currently, I am applying to production design internships, intending to later pursue a master’s degree with the goal of becoming a production designer and arts educator.”  

Read More

Dance ensemble presents first in-person program in two years

The Contemporary Dance Ensemble performing.

Experience six new entertaining and thought-provoking dance works at the Contemporary Dance Ensemble’s spring concert, “Not What It Seems.” The show represents the artistic work of four choreographers, twelve talented dancers and numerous behind-the-scenes artistic collaborators.

Read More

Live theatre makes a welcome return to Fresno State

Cassidy is on stage, and several reflections of herself can be seen in the mirrors before her.

Theatre is a unique art form in that it only exists at the moment it is being created. No other art form relies so heavily on the audience. A single person or multiple people can view paintings, but the impact of the piece remains the same because it is a tangible art piece.

Read More

Feminist thriller ‘Man of God’ features first all Asian American cast

A priest stands in front of four young women in fighting poses.

Fresno State’s University Theatre will presents its first in-person production of the 2021-22 Mainstage season with “Man of God,” written by Anna Ouyang Moench and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. It is the first University Theatre production written by an Asian American playwright for an entirely Asian American cast.

Read More

Theatre students win national acting awards

Arium Andrews and Jimmy Haynie in "Fat Pig"

The winners of all eight regional festivals typically travel to Washington, D.C. to compete at the National Festival at the Kennedy Center. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the festival had to be postponed.

Read More

Student-run company doubles down on original student works

Así es la Vida

The Experimental Theatre Company (ETC) is pleased to present “Shelter-in-Plays: Part Two,” the second installment of original virtual plays. Part two is entirely written, directed, produced, and performed by Fresno State students and will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, on the official University Theatre YouTube channel and continue indefinitely.

Read More

Standard Bearer: Teya Juarez

Teya Juarez

“Theatre has always captivated me in the way it holds up a mirror to society and tells the stories of the people within it.” ~ Teya Juarez

Read More

From stage to screen; the Department of Theatre and Dance goes virtual

Darkside (logo) a virtual multimedia theatre experience.

“Darkside” is the Department of Theatre and Dance’s first attempt at producing virtual theatre. Director Kathleen McKinley has sought out the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism’s video expertise, and specifically Profesor Candace Egan, to turn this “virtual multimedia theatre experience” into a reality.

Read More

University Theatre to debut first virtual production in new partnership

"Emily" in the Fresno State production of Darkside

Fresno State’s University Theatre will present its first virtual production of the 2020-21 mainstage season with “Darkside,” written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Kathleen McKinley. The production, filmed in the John Wright Theatre in conjunction with the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism, will be presented online at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 10-14, and at 2 p.m. Nov. 8.

Read More

Fall 2020 theatre auditions to be held virtually

Student Joshua Slack has his hands up in the 2016 production "Hands Up: 7 Playwrites, 7 Testaments

The Fresno State University Theatre says they will hold auditions for Fall 2020 productions virtually.  Auditioning actors should prepare two audition videos and submit them with the online audition form between August 12 and August 18. Zoom callbacks will be held on Aug. 19 and 20. Video audition requirements and audition information for each production […]

Read More

University Theatre announces 2020-21 Mainstage season lineup

Darkside, Detroit '67, Dracula, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Electricidad, Spring Awakening

While the method of presentation is yet to be determined, the Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to be able to offer a diverse lineup of theatrical work in these challenging times. As more decisions for the upcoming academic school year are made, we will solidify the method in which this season will be […]

Read More

2020 Grad Tribute

2020 Grad Tribute - College of Arts and Humanities - Inspiration for Life

We want to be the first to congratulate you on your achievements. The College’s faculty and staff join us in applauding you.

Read More

Canceled – Arts in Motion event and showcase

Arts in Motion Showcase - March 22-28. Cello player in front of music building.

We regret to announce that the Arts in Motion, scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Concert Hall has been canceled. All public events in the Arts in Motion Showcase scheduled for March 22-28 have also been canceled.

Read More

After overcoming brain cancer, alumnus Kai DiMino finds strength through theater

Kai on stage at Fresno State

Battling a rare childhood brain cancer at a young age, DiMino went through several years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was told that he would lose various cognitive, motor, and physical abilities. The long-lasting effects would prevent him from many activities. However, at age seven when he had beaten cancer, he learned to adapt.

Read More

Come celebrate ‘Arts in Motion’ with us!

Arts in Motion

The community is invited to celebrate the College of Arts and Humanities’ top students with an afternoon of performances and recognition on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Fresno State Concert Hall. The event will be followed by a reception in the Phebe Conley Gallery.

Read More

Featured Supporter: Kate McKnight – Video

Featured Donor Kate McKnight

Kate McKnight has spent her entire life on the Fresno State campus, growing up with an English professor father then becoming a student, instructor, University High teacher, and an Advisory Board member for the College.

Read More

Fresno State Grad Designs Her Perfect Career

Srmayan with one of her paintings. Photo Credit: Maggie Srmayan

Before ever setting foot on the Save Mart Center stage for her graduation, Maggie Srmayan had her first professional job lined-up. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree on Friday afternoon, she packed her car and headed down to Los Angeles to start work on a short film that Monday morning.

Read More

State of the College of Arts and Humanities

State of the College 2019

With 80 percent of the alum continuing to live in the Central Valley, the College of Arts and Humanities powers the local economy and touches every corner of life in our community.

Read More

University Theatre to Produce Fun, Fanciful, Holiday Production

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”, was first produced in 2016 in a Rolling World Premiere. “Miss Bennet” is a sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, set in 1815, two years after the novel ends. The play continues the story of the Bennet sisters, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. 

Read More

University Theatre announces production of ‘Carmen Jones’

Red Rose

University Theatre is pleased to announce the newest addition to our 2018/2019 Mainstage Season, “Carmen Jones” by Oscar Hammerstein II, based on Meilhac and Halevy’s adaption of Prosper Merimee’s “Carmen”, Music by Geroges Bizet, and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. The production will run from May 3-11, 2019 in the John Wright Theatre located in the […]

Read More